Lack of awareness on Cyber Security Act persists, prompting calls for enhanced sensitization in Kasama

Despite the enactment and implementation of the Cybersecurity Act, a segment of society in Northern Province’s Kasama District remains unaware of its existence and provisions.

When asked about media freedom and the Cyber Security Act, taxi driver, Evans Simfukwe, expressed ignorance and called for more sensitization on the law.

Responding in Bemba to a reporter, Simfukwe, who acknowledged using social media handles such as Facebook, questioned the meaning of media freedom and how it influenced societal decisions.

“First, I want to ask what media freedom means? If the law is in place, then it’s fine,” Simfukwe told Zambia Monitor in an interview in Kasama.

However, he quickly emphasized his understanding of freedom of speech and urged that the law should not be used to silence him and others who wish to speak and advise the government on various issues in the country.

Simfukwe highlighted that people should be allowed to voice their concerns, such as the current economic conditions leading to increased living costs.

“We must be free to speak because there is a lot of economic hardship we are going through. One issue is mealie meal; we have the right to speak. Fuel is another thing making work difficult,” he stated.

Regarding the Cyber Security Act, Simfukwe advised his fellow social media users to be mindful of their posts if the law truly exists, to avoid conflicts with it.

He also urged the government to listen to what people are saying on social media and avoid silencing every critical voice providing advice on the economy and other social issues.

Catherine Mumba, a mobile money agent, echoed Simfukwe’s sentiments, expressing her lack of knowledge about media freedom and the Cyber Security Act despite using social media.

She suggested increasing sensitization on the law or translating it into vernacular languages for those who can use social media but may not understand it in English.

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